Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Vermont gets another big commitment
The offseason reload continues for Vermont with a commitment from San Diego transfer David Simon. He is a 6'11 F/C from Windsor, Canada who will have 3 years of eligibility remaining. This is a high upside commitment for the Cats who have completely remade their frontcourt this offseason. Simon was the Canadian player of the year in 2023 after a big senior season at Royal Crown Academy (same school that Sean Blake attended, different years). Simon had a medical redshirt year at San Diego before averaging 4.9 points last season. He is already an accomplished shotblocker and rim runner. With a 7'4" wingspan he makes a huge impact defensively and can be a big time lob threat at the rim. Last season he showed flashes of adding a perimeter element to his game, shooting 15/48 (31%) from three. Simon has incredible upside and potential and is a perfect compliment to frontcourt pieces that Vermont has already added. He is going to be an all court wrecker at Patrick and is a highlight waiting to happen. The coaching staff will be able to mix and match lineups and have possibly their most deep and versatile frontcourt. Vermont has hit on all cylinders this offseason, checking off the most significant team needs and then some. The fact that they were able to both rebuild their frontcourt AND reload with perimeter shooters is some serious portal work. This potential fit of the pieces that the coaching staff has assembled this offseason is huge. One more scholarship to go and I would imagine the only need left on the checklist is adding a point guard to compliment Sean Blake. This team has a chance to be electric.
I agree Lee! This was a huge and fortifying addition. Love the pickups they have added and they went into this portal season lethally focused. I can’t wait!
ReplyDeleteIt is like a dream!!
DeleteThis is Becker's biggest/most formidable front court. Don't know if in times past he tried to recruit bigs but was unsuccessful, but this is a sea change for the Cats. This may facilitate a structural change in his offensive philosophy, which would be welcome. This may also be his most athletic team yet - can't help but be excited for 25-26'.
ReplyDeleteThe first few portal years were a learning curve for sure. They tried to get guys and couldn't get across the finish line. The coaching staff has definitely learned from the past attempts and found some really great options this offseason.
DeleteThe NIL money was a huge bonus, without it, we don't get these guys.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I am sure that made a huge difference.
DeleteLove this addition! Watching his highlights back and this guy is the real deal (surprised a major program wouldn’t want to take a chance…..). He Has a pretty stroke for a big and can move. Add alittle weight and this pick up will allow us to play with elite programs. It may be early early but with three years of eligibility I can see this man being the best professional prospect Vermont has seen🙏🏼
ReplyDeleteLoads of potential!
DeleteCan't teach height. Not sure if he can play. But good to have another legit center on the roster.
ReplyDeleteHigh upside!
DeleteVermont has NIL $$$?
ReplyDeleteHow much and from where? Are big donors involved, lot's of small money donations?
DeleteThere is a link to the fund to the right side of the blog! It was created in honor of Barry Stone, longtime fan and alum. It is a by donation fund. Not sure how much they have been able to raise.
DeleteThanks for showing the link for the Barry Stone fund. Are the players required to disclose their earnings publicly? Is the money pooled between players, or do donors earmark? I've seen sites that show the earnings of the top players in the country, (And some that cover the power conferences) but I'm unaware of any disclosure for the non power or mid major conferences
DeleteThis is a key piece to this team! He brings a potent shot blocker and answers some of our weaknesses in the paint. From what I can tell from the film I watched, the bigs seem to complement each other. This is looking very exciting!
ReplyDeleteThe fit between the group in nice. Each has a different strength.
DeleteVery interesting how quickly the narrative around this team/program has changed! They have attracted talent from the big 10, solid mid majors, retained Hurley, got back a player that realized the grass wasn’t greener and still have one spot left. To me the best part is they all have more than one yr left of eligibility. It will be interesting to see the battle for minutes and how rotations turn out. As constructed now we have the size depth and talent to get back to the top of the conference and be a top 25 mid major program again..
ReplyDeletePatience is a virtue!. I will never understand the negativity that crops up over the smallest stuff. The program has tremendous success and always positions itself to win. This group is very exciting.
DeleteExcited to possibly make it back to the top next year. Maine also has height that will need reckoning! I can see some real competition among the bigs for playing minutes! I agree on bringing in a top notch PG. would love to get a bonifide from the post high school leagues either US or Canada.
ReplyDeleteThey are poised to compete for a title!
DeleteIs it October yet?!! I’m so ready for some catamount basketball
ReplyDeleteFor real!!!
DeleteI am beyond impressed with Becker and staffs work in the portal. After last season, it was clear that NIL was going to be a huge challenge for mid majors...but this portal group is terrific.
ReplyDeleteFor real
DeleteTwo players at 6'9", a 6'8", and now a 6'11" (and I forget, is Drew Bessette back at 6'8" as well?). Is this really a UVM team? I'm loving this. UVM will be a tall team... now bring us another point guard!
ReplyDeleteGoing to be fun to see a post presence.
DeleteI think size is great, but there's a lot more to basketball than size. I'll take a very good, skilled player over an average, bigger player any day. That said, Simon seems like he has a lot to offer. Becker and staff have done a very nice job in the offseason. Lee is doing a good job too.
ReplyDeleteGreat offseason
DeleteIn the past we’ve relied on size/length from our guards and swing type players, ala Robyn, Finn, Shamir, etc. It def works in a lot of ways but I think offensively it’s hurt us. Also then we’ve had undersized power forwards like Isiah or even Sammy. I think what we have with all of these additions is a more traditional balance of a roster. Now only time will tell how it translates, what these players are on the court not on paper. But either way it looks like the tools are in place to be able to play to the low post with kick outs our play a smaller line up with 4 shooters etc.. looking forward to the last addition and summer updates
ReplyDeleteThey have always adapted to whatever they had to work with. A new and different type of team!
DeleteI very much agree with this last comment we’ve had to rely on “ bigs “ who could shoot Henson Davis Veretto Aye Faleye to get scoring from the front court and fortunately they were above average shooters it will be interesting to see the inside out style of offense . Hurly Long etc should get much better looks this year Hurley particularly could have a big year . I’m hoping they find another assist first point guard to back up Blake . Becker and Schneider and the rest iof the staff have done ( what on paper seems to be ) a great job here’s hoping everyone stays healthy and they have a great season . It will be interesting to see what the out of conference schedule looks like can’t wait for the season to begin
ReplyDeleteExciting!
DeleteLee is there any truth to the Lucas Mari rumour ? Sounds like he might be the cherry on top ?
ReplyDeleteI was looking into social media posts and other outlets and doesn’t sound as though he’d be coming to Vermont. Would be a terrific catch for sure. But I don’t see anywhere he’d be coming to Burlington
Deletewhere did this rumour come from?
Delete................................
DeleteAs fun as that seems, passing up millions in nil money to freeze in Burlington all winter doesn’t seem realistic
DeleteValencia’s Lucas Mari has committed to Vermont, I’m told.
DeleteThe versatile, unselfish, 19-year-old 6’7” Spanish swingman avg’d 10.0 PTS, 3.7 REB, 3.1 AST for his club’s Segunda FEB affiliate this season.
Big time recruiting coup for John Becker following a strong adidas Eurocamp.